Nothing to be afraid of: breastfeeding is great for you and your baby!

Thursday, March 15, 2018

It’s not a secret that many mothers-to-be fear breastfeeding. Many have heard stories about sore breasts and the baby nor being able to latch. We all have read and watched every imaginable story about breastfeeding, and of course, we’re scared! Where are the good parts of feeding our babies in a natural way?

Yes, breastfeeding, just like any satisfying experience, can be scary, and this is especially true when you’re a first-time mom. But ladies, there’s nothing to be afraid of because breastfeeding has many benefits for your baby, and for you! Just like you heard, there’s more about breastfeeding than just pumping milk out of your breast.

Benefits for the baby

When you breastfeed, you can be sure that your baby is going to grow strong and healthy. Breast milk contains all the nutrients and vitamins your baby needs.

Even after finishing breastfeeding your baby is going to be protected against a numerous kind of diseases (Chron’s diseases, food allergies, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure). Breastfeeding is so good for your baby that reduces the possibilities of developing cancer.

A baby who is breastfed has lower chances of developing respiratory diseases; babies who are formula feed had higher chances of being hospitalized due to respiratory reasons. And we’re just even starting because breastfeeding your baby for at least 6 months is going to boost his or her intelligence up to the skies!

Babies who are breastfed have a better possibility of developing higher IQ. This was proven on a research. The breastfeeding patterns of 17,000 babies were studied from the moment they were born up to 6 ½ years of age. These kids had better IQ tests than other children! Additionally, breastfeed babies develop a better vocabulary than those who aren’t.

There’s a reason why breastfeeding is so good for our babies: because it’s a natural response of our body has after delivering. This is mother nature speaking through our breasts and we shouldn’t ignore her.

Benefits for the mother

But wait, breastfeeding has proven to be beneficial for mothers too. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower chance of developing post-partum depression. A study made by The National Institute of Health showed that post-partum depression rates were higher on women who didn’t breastfeed. This is interesting since depression after having a baby happens a lot. If you breastfeed it’s possible to stop this from happening because nursing your baby releases Prolactin and Oxytocin, hormones responsible for relaxation and nurturing. Breastfeeding reduces the possibility of developing Osteoporosis because it makes bones feel stronger than ever.

Furthermore, breastfeeding reduces the chances of developing Pre-Menopausal Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer. This happens because of breastfeeding Estrogen is suppressed. Should we go on with the advantages of breastfeeding? Because there are more.

Your physical health is not the only part of your life you’ll feel has improved, your emotional health will feel great too. Breastfeeding expands the emotional connection you and your baby have. There’s no better activity for bonding than breastfeeding. Your baby and you will feel an immediate connection nobody is going to take away.

Breastfeeding is great for your wallet too. Let’s face it, we all want to spend the less money possible to save for other expenses such as the doctor appointments or even the University. Breastfeeding liberates you of the burden of buying formula milk every month. A bottle of formula milk can cost around $200 or $400, on a year that’s $1,400 to $5,000. Breastfeeding is completely free, and you can do it wherever and whenever you like. You don’t need a bottle or a microwave; just you and your baby.

Additionally, you’ll be protecting the environment too since you won’t have to buy plastic bottles that are going to be thrown away later.

Is breastfeeding good for you and your baby?

Yes! It’s, and that’s why breastfeeding shouldn’t feel scarier than it already is. It shouldn’t feel frightening at all because breastfeeding has many benefits. It protects your baby from numerous diseases, and it makes your baby grow strong and healthy. Breastfeeding helps kids to develop better cognitive abilities and makes them smarter! But breastfeeding beneficiates mothers too since it decreases the possibility of developing Ovarian Cancer and Osteoporosis.

If you breastfeed your baby, it’s less likely you’ll develop Post-Partum Depression. And, probably one of the most important advantages of breastfeeding: you’ll create a bond with your baby that nobody will take away from you. Mother nature is wise, let’s follow her advice and not be afraid of breastfeeding anymore.